If you’ve ever met me you know I love photographing newborns. It’s a calling and when too much time passes between sessions I definitely start to go a little stir crazy.  I also start to get a little prop obsessed and start looking online for the next new prop, backdrop, wrap, or outfit I can put the next client’s cute little baby in for their session. I love being able to offer my client’s a relaxing experience and have everything all ready to go when they arrive at my house/home studio. Parents love that they don’t need to bring anything to the session except their new baby, because let’s face it, new parents are exhausted and the sleep deprivation starts to take its toll. Mommy brain takes on a whole new meaning after the little one arrives, so knowing a client just has to show up and things are ready to go is such a relief to them.

This little guy’s session took place this past winter. I’ve known Rowan’s mom since childhood. Her older sister and I were literally inseparable and as the younger sister, of course, that meant she wanted to tag along and play with us.  Growing up she really felt like the baby sister I never had.  It’s a real blessing to grow up in a small town community and be able to maintain some great friendships long into your adult years.  When Rowan’s parents told me they were expecting and wanted to have newborn photos done. I couldn’t wait to start planning their session, plus I knew they were going to make the most beautiful baby. I mean look at these two….

When little Rowan Thomas was born, sadly later that day his great-grandpa Thomas would pass away.  Imagine being on such a high from the birth of your first baby and then be struck with such great grief at the loss of your grandparent. We were able to honor Grandpa Tom (also where Rowan’s middle name came from) during the newborn session by incorporating some of the work gear from Grandpa. This was a special gift to share with family and also a great tribute to Grandpa’s Tom’s hardworking personality and will make a great story to share with Rowan as he gets older.

Truthfully, Rowan really hated any pose on his tummy during his session, but by God’s grace this is the only photo he let us get with him laying tummy down.  I snapped a few quick shots and then he protested anymore of that.  We swaddled him back up, he was happy and content once again.  We were also able to personalize the session by including Rowan’s daddy’s business logo into a photo.  Dad happened to slip away and start talking with my husband and we quick took this image and surprised him with it during the reveal and ordering appointment a couple weeks later.  He fist pumped with excitement and ordered a metal print to hang in his office at work.

We did get a beautiful gallery from which the family could choose images and they selected some special ones to hang in their master bedroom.  I was able to sit with them in their home and show them what sizes and options would fit their space. They went with two 11×14 barn wood frames that are custom made by a local woodworker near the Belle Plaine and New Prague area.  A couple weeks later, I hand delivered them right to their front door in Cologne.  They loved them so much, they ordered another frame to use for a wedding photo that hangs on another wall in their room.  I can’t wait to capture more images of Rowan as he continues to grow in the months and years ahead.